Academics

Physics 298. Experimental Courses

Meteorology and Oceanography

We will develop a physical description of the structure and flows of the atmosphere and ocean, with a focus on the physical processes common to both. Hands-on experiments are used whenever possible: course includes informal weekly lab exercises. Topic include basic structure of the atmosphere, global energy balance, convection, equations of fluid flow, effects of planetary rotation, geostrophic balance, general circulation of the atmosphere and ocean, Ekman layers, wind-driven ocean circulation, and thermohaline circulation.